Inbound Logistics | July 2007 | Digital Issue

ITMATTERS

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52

from maintaining a speedy, accurate supply chain. Many beverage companies base rev- enue projections on having product in the right place at the right time to meet seasonal peaks such as spring break or ski season. One delayed shipment can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue that cannot be recouped until the next peak season. With limited shelf-life products, brewers and beverage producers rely on systems that provide the highest degree of flexibility and control. Wholesalers, particularly those who export their inventory, demand visibility so they can control their products’ “when, where, and how” without compromis- ing freshness and quality. Effective visibility requires stream- lined solutions across the entire supply chain. Whether a company launches its

own visibility system or opts to imple- ment a third-party system, it should heed the following advice: ■ Find an accessible visibility solu- tion. True access only occurs if the system provides these four elements: 1. A secure environment in which to view inventory in motion. 2. The ability to see data from any computer anywhere in the world via a modern web browser. 3. An option for outside users such as trading partners to customize the system to their needs. 4. The ability for authorized users to view company and partner data. ■ For the system to effectively improve transportation management, it must provide real-time visibility dur- ing both transit and delivery. Users must be able to employ multiple search functions, as well as schedule custom-

izable reports delivered by e-mail. ■ To enhance warehouse manage- ment, the tool must offer inventory visibility at distribution centers, and allow users to view receipts and past shipments, as well as data on pending shipments. Users must be able to filter results and import selected data into commonly used spreadsheet software. ■ The system should also include real-time visibility and tracking of export shipments, as well as visibility of open bookings and sailing dates. ■ Look for a solution that includes IT support available online or by phone. Whether a company turns to a pro- prietary visibility solution, or taps into an outsourced option, the impact visi- bility produces in the supply chain will bring numerous benefits – and a sigh of relief from those formerly tasked with putting out fires. ■

educate. entertain. enlighten. Make no mistake; your company’s success is directly linked to its ability to fulfill orders in a timely and efficient manner. And no event is more dedicated to providing you with the tools to accomplish this than… PARCEL Forum. Dedicated to covering every aspect of the small-shipment supply chain including; Order Entry, Fulfillment, Warehousing, Material Handling, Picking, Packaging, Labeling, ADC/Barcoding/RFID, Manifesting, Scheduling, Third-Party Logistics, Returns and Transportation — PARCEL Forum delivers the goods. Meet with 60 of the parcel shipping industry leading companies in our exclusive exhibitor showcase!

SAVE UP TO $300 ON THE CONFERENCE

OCTOBER 29-31, 2007 • HYATT REGENCY O’HARE • CHICAGO • www.PARCELforum.com

PUBLICATION PARTNER

GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PARTNER

TRANSPORTATION PARTNER

L OGISTICS/TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT PARTNER

CARRIER ROUNDTABLE SPONSOR